Da Nang Diary

A Forward Air Controller's Gunsight View of Flying with SOG

By: Tom Yarborough

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Da Nang Diary is the story of how, in Vietnam, an elite group of Air Force pilots fought a secret air war in Cessna 0-2 and OV-10 Bronco prop planes - flying as low as they could get. The eyes and ears of the fast-moving jets who rained death and destruction down on enemy positions, the forward air controller made an art form out of an air strike - knowing the targets, knowing where friendly troops were, and reacting with split-second, life-and-death decisions as a battle unfolded.

The expertise of the low, slow FACs, as well as the hazard attendant to their role, made for a unique bird's-eye perspective on how the entire war in Vietnam unfolded. For Tom Yarborough, who logged 1,500 hours of combat flying time, the risk was constant, intense, and electrifying. A member of the super-secret "Prairie Fire" unit, Yarborough became one of the most frequently shot-up pilots flying out of Da Nang - engaging in a series of dangerous secret missions in Laos. In this work, the listener flies in the cockpit alongside Yarborough in his adrenaline-pumping chronicle of heroism, danger, and wartime brotherhood. From the rescuing of downed pilots to taking out enemy positions, to the most harrowing extended missions directly overhead of the NVA, here is the dedication, courage, and skill of the fliers who took the war into the enemy's backyard.

©2013 Thomas R. Yarborough (P)2020 Tantor

Great book

This is a great listen after you've read the other Mac V Sog staple books. This one is (obviously) aviation specific which was a very interesting perspective to have on this war, would recommend.

Read this bloody great story...pure gold.

Tom went to Hell, through & back again.. several times. This is another great action- packed true story that conveys the amazing bravery and innovative fighting inteeligence of the MACV-SOG soldiers.

Great audiobook!

One of the best aviation warfare books I’ve read/listened to. Gripping right from the start and hard to stop listening too! Would highly recommended to anyone with Allison of aviation.

great

it was amazing hearing the other side of from the Fava facs that flew over and controlled the package

tales you never know

loved the book lots of things you never know about the war, couldn't stop listening